Leonardo da Vinci's works coming to Toowoomba

TOOWOOMBA residents will get the chance to delve into the mind of artist, scientist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci when a new international touring exhibition opens at Cobb+Co Museum.

Da Vinci Machines: Leonardo's Inventions Brought to Life, features more than 50 exhibits reconstructed from illustrations and writings by the mastermind.

On loan from the Museum of Leonardo da Vinci in Florence, and suitable for all ages, the interactive machines are created from original da Vinci drawings and highlights include the bicycle, the scuba suit, a drumming robot, spring powered car, as well as flying machines.

Visitors will see actual-size digital prints of the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, The Annunciation, Lady with an Ermine and da Vinci's self-portrait, and will also have the rare opportunity to compare the restored Mona Lisa with a digitally enhanced more vibrant version, as it would have appeared 500 years ago.

Self portrait of Leonardo da Vinci.

Acting CEO of the Queensland Museum Network, Dr Jim Thompson said the exhibition would give visitors the opportunity to discover why Leonardo da Vinci was such a mastermind.

"Visitors can investigate the principles which cause effects in the world we live and to experience, how one man can make bold and ingenious scientific contributions," Dr Thompson said.

"What a coup for Toowoomba to be able to bring this exhibition to Cobb+Co Museum where visitors can view these incredible machines that have inspired generations through the decades and will continue to stimulate the thinkers and designers of the next generation."

Among da Vinci's innovations are automatons, nautical, hydraulic and architectural tools, ground-breaking applications of civil engineering and fear-inspiring war machines.

The exhibition will run for five months from December 9 until May 27, 2018.